Old Town man charged with sexual assault, aggravated assault held on $50,000 bail

OLD TOWN, Maine — A woman walked into the Old Town Police Department last week with a black eye and bite marks on her face. She reported being sexually and physically assaulted several days before.

As a result of the report, Old Town police arrested Derrick Burnett, 40, on Wednesday on charges of Class A gross sexual assault, Class B aggravated assault, and misdemeanor domestic violence assault, domestic violence terrorizing and endangering the welfare of a child. Burnett made his first appearance Friday at the Penobscot Judicial Center before Superior Court Justice Ann Murray.

“He stated that he punched her with his right hand on her face below her eye,” Sgt. Michael Hashey wrote in his arrest report, which was filed as part of the probable cause affidavit written by Officer Jordan Norton.

The woman told police Burnett was mad and made her engage in a sexual behavior. She said she feared for her life because he said he “was going to kill her” if she went to police.

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Burnett admitted to a sexual encounter with the 36-year-old woman who filed the complaint, providing alcohol to a minor the same evening and stabbing a dog in the neck “a long time ago,” Hashey’s report states.

Assistant District Attorney Jim Aucoin said Burnett has a prior terrorizing conviction from 2001 and asked for $50,000 cash bail based on “the nature of the crimes and the terrorizing.”

Attorney for the day Nick Fowler of Bangor requested an unsecured bail for Burnett.

Fowler also said Burnett had gastric bypass surgery years ago and is prone to hypoglycemia without a special diet.

Murray appointed an attorney to represent Burnett and scheduled a dispositional conference for mid-August. She also barred him from contacting the woman who filed the complaint and all children under the age of 16.

Burnett remained at Penobscot County Jail on Monday.

To reach a sexual assault advocate, call the Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Line at 800-871-7741, TTY 888-458-5599. This free and confidential 24-hour service is accessible from anywhere in Maine. Calls are automatically routed to the closest sexual violence service provider.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.